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Lifetime of health
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Learn moreLet's talk Manchester Terriers
The Manchester Terrier is one of the most storied breeds in the canine kingdom. Perhaps less well-known than their Jack Russell or Cairn Terrier cousins, the breed is nonetheless highly prized for their vitality and smarts, especially in the U.K. where they originated. Small but mighty, this is an excellent watchdog who brings it each time, with high energy and an always-on attitude. The Manchester Terrier breed is fastidious by nature, a plus for city owners who want a playful canine but one who knows how to keep tidy in tinier quarters.Official name: Manchester Terrier
Other names: English Gentleman’s Terrier, Gentleman’s Terrier
Origins: England
| Drooling tendencies: |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): | Low to Moderate | Kid-friendly? |
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| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? |
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We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches.
Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour.
Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Male
41
Height
6 - 10 kg
Weight
Female
38
Height
6 - 10 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 10 months |
| Adult age | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age | 8 to 12 years |
| Senior age | from 12 years |
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Get to know the Manchester Terrier
All you need to know about the breed
Extremely loyal and alert as all get out, the Manchester Terrier is the delightful surprise of the terrier group. A dog that always has their wits about them, this breed’s keen awareness and powers of observation make them superb guardians of home and family, their pint-size notwithstanding.
The Manchester Terrier is the oldest-known rat catcher, and while now a family companion, their small size and terrier grit proved an ideal combination for the pursuit of vermin in their namesake native city of Manchester, England at the time. They remain somewhat rare in America and elsewhere but are much more easily found in the U.K. and on the European continent.
Watch for a still-high prey drive from the Manchester Terrier, whose verve at times can overstep its bounds. Owners should instill proper discipline from puppyhood so the dog develops into an upright canine citizen. Channeling their natural-born vitality into play is a great idea, although so are naps and snuggles, which the Manchester Terrier enjoys in equal measure.
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2 facts about Manchester Terriers
1. Two-in-one
Sometimes dog breeds are so great, more of the same is better. Such is the case for the Manchester Terrier, whom breeders developed into two varieties: toy and standard. There are no differences however other than height and ear options - button or erect for the standard and solely erect for the toy.
2. A little bit different
Certain dogs were developed with a particular goal, as was the Manchester Terrier, who is known as a course hound - one originally bred to pursue game by outrunning them and by sight rather than smell - as opposed to a scenthound, whose great sense of smell kicks in for this task. Today’s Manchester Terrier dog still exhibits a swift athleticism and sleek musculature that enables them to run at top speed.
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History of the breed
The Manchester Terrier hails from - where else - Manchester, England where they were bred in in the mid-1800s. As the industrial revolution set in and the textile trade took centre stage in the city, so too did the rat population. Breeders sought to create a no-holds-barred dog who was fierce but also small and agile to dispose of the vermin, as well as a dog to be used for hunting small game. The cross of a Whippet and a Black and Tan Terrier created the Manchester Terrier breed we know today.
Known as the Black and Tan Terrier up until the end of the 19th century when they took on their present moniker, the dog quickly gained in popularity. Separate toy and standard breeds came into being until 1959 when they were united and merely considered two varieties.
The Manchester Terrier was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1874 and by the American Kennel Club in 1887.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Manchester Terriers
1. Ears
Small v-shaped ears carried well above top line of head.
2. Body
Small and very compact body, deep chest and ribs.
3. Coat
Close-lying, hard glossy coat, exclusively black with tan markings.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Manchester Terrier
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Caring for your Manchester Terrier
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Grooming is a snap for the Manchester Terrier who sports a close-lying, coarse coat over just as tight a body. A quick once-over with a brush every week should do to keep them sharp. Bathe them only occasionally to keep smells and deeper dirt at bay. Trim nails to prevent infection and clean and dry those perky ears often. Brushing your dog’s teeth should be daily - or as often as possible. With a reputation as a flyball and agility champion, the Manchester Terrier breed is known for their ceaseless energy, thus their need for exercise. A fully fenced-in yard will help them run around and guard against that terrier instinct to chase anything that moves. Walks will suffice as well. As a dog who enjoys family time, training the Manchester Terrier will be fun for you both. This sprightly dog responds best to positive praise and, since they like a challenge, training techniques that are geared toward their high intelligence are all the better.7/7
All about Manchester Terriers
The Manchester Terrier is a true athlete, a dog who’s always in motion with nary a second for more passive activities like cuddling. The breed is incredibly active - spirited in true terrier fashion - but when they do settle down, it will be right by their owners side, their favourite place for some much-needed downtime.
While the Manchester Terrier was indeed used to breed the Doberman Pinscher, the two are now distinct. Both have firm, exclusively black-and-tan coats but the Manchester Terrier has their roots in the cross of a Whippet and a Black-and-Tan Terrier in England whereas the Doberman was bred in Germany from the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, and the Black-and-Tan Terrier. The Miniature Pinscher shares no commonality with the Manchester Terrier breed.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/